Student Visa to the USA (F-1) from Spain: a complete application guide

Obtaining a student visa to the USA in Spain is the most convenient option for Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Moldovans, Georgians, and applicants from other countries who temporarily or permanently reside within the EU. This is due to the fact that the U.S. Consulates in Madrid and Barcelona consistently accept foreign nationals for visa interviews, which significantly simplifies the application process.

What purposes is the U.S. student visa intended for?

The F-1 student visa allows official study at American schools, colleges, universities, and language schools. Such authorization can be obtained both on the basis of admission to an educational institution and through language courses, which is especially convenient for those who want to start studying as quickly as possible.

Our visa agency professionally assists with selecting language schools in America and supports clients at all stages of applying for a U.S. student visa through Spain. We cooperate with verified educational institutions in Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Boston.

Tuition costs depend on the city and program format:

1. Miami — from 150 USD per week,

2. Los Angeles — from 250 USD per week,

3. San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston — from 200 USD per week.

We select language courses in any U.S. state according to budget, goals, and consular requirements, which significantly increases the chances of obtaining an F-1 visa.

Who can apply for a U.S. student visa in Spain?

Foreign applicants who legally reside in Spain, as well as Spanish citizens themselves, can apply for a U.S. student visa through Spain. To confirm their status, the applicant must have one of the following documents:

1. Schengen tourist visa;

2. Spanish residence permit: student, work, residence without the right to work, family reunification, etc.;

3. Long-stay visa (D-type);

4. Internal passport of an EU citizen.

Stages of applying for a U.S. student visa through Spain

The process of obtaining an F-1 student visa in Spain includes several key stages, namely:

1. Enrollment in a U.S. educational institution and receiving a scanned I-20 form.

2. Payment of SEVIS I-901.

3. Completion of the DS-160 application form for obtaining a U.S. student visa in Madrid or Barcelona.

4. Payment of the visa fee.

5. Preparation of a document package with proof of financial solvency.

6. Interview at the U.S. Embassy in Spain.

7. Receiving the visa.

What documents are required to apply for a U.S. student visa in Spain?

To apply for a U.S. student visa from Spain, you will need the following categories of documents:

Mandatory:

• passport;

• I-20 form;

• SEVIS payment receipt;

• DS-160 form;

• interview appointment confirmation;

• financial documents covering from 3,000 to 5,000 USD at the time of study (depending on the program).

Depending on residence status:

• Schengen visa C;

• residence card (TIE);

• valid residence permit;

• D-type visa;

• confirmation of legal residence status (residence permit processing period).

Additional:

• bank statement;

• evidence of non-immigrant intent: property, car, family, business;

• academic documents: diplomas, certificates, letters from schools.

Cost, validity period, and processing of the U.S. student visa

Usually, the validity period of a U.S. student visa corresponds to the duration of the course and ranges from 6 months to 5 years. The financial aspect of the process is also quite transparent: the SEVIS fee of $350 must be paid, as well as the visa fee, which amounts to $185.

As for processing time, when applying for a U.S. student visa through Spain, the entire process takes on average from 3 to 8 weeks. This period includes obtaining the I-20 form, completing the application form, paying the required fees, scheduling an interview at the U.S. Embassy, and subsequent document processing by the consulate. As a rule, the visa decision is known immediately after the interview.

Addresses of embassies and visa centers for applying for a U.S. student visa in Spain

You can apply for an F-1 student visa in Spain at the following institutions:

1. U.S. Embassy in Madrid: Calle Serrano, 75, 28006 Madrid, Spain — the main location where visa interviews are conducted and documents for various visa categories are accepted.
   
   

2. U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona: Passeig de la Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona — an alternative option for scheduling if there are no available dates in Madrid.

Main reasons for refusal

Refusals for an F-1 student visa are most often related to:

1. insufficient financial proof;

2. doubts about immigration intent;

3. incorrect choice of educational institution;

4. errors in documents or the DS-160 form;

5. lack of interview preparation.

Why should you contact us?

Specialists of our visa agency have been helping applicants from dozens of countries obtain a U.S. student visa through Spain for many years. In particular, we:

• select real educational programs that appeal to the consul;

• prepare a financial case according to the applicant’s income level;

• correct the DS-160 form and explain every answer;

• conduct mock interviews.

Frequently asked questions

Is a medical examination required?

No, a medical examination is not required for the F-1 student visa.

Does a student visa lead to a green card?

No, this is a non-immigrant category, but studies may become the first step toward further visa categories.

Can I change schools after entering the USA?

Yes, but only after coordination with SEVIS.

Can I obtain a U.S. student visa through Madrid if I am only planning enrollment?

Yes, we will help select a program, obtain the I-20, and prepare a complete document package.